"This is a very bad sign."
Moriou the Sage paced back and forth, feeling a mix of apprehension and anger.
How could those guys do this??
How could they snatch orders from Forge Worlds??
It should be known that providing weapons and equipment to the military has always been the work of Forge Worlds, and a major source of revenue for the Adeptus Mechanicus.
Before the economic reforms, Forge Worlds exchanged other materials for producing weapons and equipment for the Imperial Army.
For example, food, minerals, manpower, special industrial products, etc.
Otherwise, it would be difficult for Forge Worlds alone to maintain such a large scale.
After the Reality pushed for economic reforms, established the Imperial Bank, and laid out the payment network,
The Human Empire changed its tithe collection method, requiring all worlds to pay in designated currency.
Procurement cooperation between different departments also required payment in hard currency,
This made it easier for accounting and for calculating the total economic output.
Originally, such reforms were not a big deal.
After all, Forge Worlds controlled ninety-nine percent of the Human Empire's technology, monopolizing the entire Human Empire.
Even those industrial Hive City had to employ Adeptus Mechanicus to maintain their equipment and produce goods.
If nothing unexpected happened, after the economic reforms, the various Forge Worlds would swallow the Human Empire's wealth, becoming the foremost wealth giants in various Calixis Sectors.
However, the emergence of the God Chosen broke the monopoly of the Adeptus Mechanicus.
Forge Worlds did not swallow the Human Empire's wealth as imagined; instead, they were constantly challenged, and their revenue continuously declined.
In the Calixis Sector, industrial products produced by the God Chosen covered various fields, and they were high-quality and inexpensive, greatly squeezing the Adeptus Mechanicus's living space.
First, in the civilian industrial products sector,
The various products launched by the God Chosen had novel styles and were cost-effective,
They were far superior to the old-fashioned products produced by the Adeptus Mechanicus, leading many people to flock to the God Chosen's industrial products,
They sold out as soon as they were released.
Of course, relying on their strong production capacity and the ingrained perceptions from the past,
Forge Worlds still held significant influence.
And there were many who spoke up for them.
"What kind of technical content do a bunch of newly opened factories have?"
"Do they even know how to build things? They have tens of thousands of years of accumulation, and you think you can surpass them."
"Anything not made by a Forge World is industrial waste, not even a dog would buy it."
"…"
Such voices frequently appeared on the network,
But these voices could not change the fact that Forge Worlds were becoming contract manufacturers.
Current products are basically produced under authorization from the God Chosen,
Their original products were simply not well-received; even if produced, they couldn't be sold.
The Tomorrow Series civilian mechs are the most vivid example.
Now, construction sites are all using the Tomorrow Series, which are cheap, durable, have low maintenance costs, and high efficiency.
Losing the civilian market was one thing, but now those God Chosen are even targeting the military market.
If this continues, such commercial behavior will certainly affect the Adeptus Mechanicus's revenue.
The Adeptus Mechanicus is the foundation of the Human Empire.
If the Adeptus Mechanicus has problems, then the Human Empire will certainly face major problems.
At such a critical juncture, the God Chosen snatching business is undoubtedly handing a knife to Slaanesh, practically an act of betrayal.
"We must report this to the higher-ups and stop such behavior."
As soon as Moriou the Sage thought of this problem, he immediately opened the network and entered a gear forum dedicated to discussing technology.
After the Lighthouse Network was laid out,
Several forward-thinking Adeptus Mechanicus saw the demand,
And proceeded to set up a communication forum,
Specifically for Adeptus Mechanicus to buy and sell technology and communicate with each other.
The identity in the forum is linked to the real-world identity, bound to the individual.
A priest is a priest, an Adeptus Mechanicus is an Adeptus Mechanicus; there's no way to fake it.
As a director of a Forge World,
Moriou the Sage's status in the forum was naturally very high.
Upon entering the forum, he privately messaged several other Forge World directors and influential Archmagos,
Informing them about Dora Workshop snatching military orders.
"We must unite and petition Mars and Reality, demanding an end to such malicious commercial competition and safeguarding the interests of the various Forge Worlds."
"Forge Worlds are the foundation of the Adeptus Mechanicus, and the Adeptus Mechanicus is the foundation of the Human Empire. Shaking Forge Worlds is shaking the Human Empire."
"…"
Moriou the Sage spoke passionately, quoting various data to criticize the God Chosen's commercial competitive behavior.
"We cannot continue to let this go on; it must be curbed, and everything must return to the right track."
"Our demands are simple: First, any technology developed by the God Chosen must belong to the local Forge World."
"Second: The God Chosen must not privately contact the military or bypass the Adeptus Mechanicus to provide weapons and equipment."
"Third: All research and development should be submitted to the Adeptus Mechanicus for evaluation, and when production is rolled out, it must be entrusted to a forging factory."
It must be said that Moriou the Sage's speaking ability was quite good.
After a round of advocacy, indeed, quite a few Adeptus Mechanicus agreed with his statements,
Deciding to jointly submit a report to Reality and Mars with him.
Demanding to stop commercial competition and maintain tradition.
However, there were also some dissenting voices.
"For many years, we have stagnated on the path of truth, causing the technological development of the entire Human Empire to halt, or even regress. Appropriate reform is also very necessary; it can promote innovation."
"Are there any Forge Worlds now that can build a Gloriana-class? There are only a few Dreadnought models left. In such circumstances, should we not reform, should we not introduce new blood?"
"…"
Both sides started arguing in the forum.
Within the Adeptus Mechanicus, there was already a struggle between reformists and conservatives.
Both sides held their own opinions, each believing they were right.
But Moriou the Sage ignored the argument. He and a group of conservatives who supported restricting the God Chosen jointly submitted a report to Mars.
He wanted to turn the tide and restore the former glory of tradition.
And this joint report was soon handed to Alex by Fabricator-General Raski.
"Their reaction is very strong. Perhaps the reform is too radical, should we slow down?"
Raski's projection was very clear, even the Texture on the surface of his mechanical prosthetics were clearly visible.
At this time, the Fabricator-General was still in charge of the Space Cities and the stellar energy conversion device projects,
He did not go to the Imperial Palace to meet Alex but communicated using remote communication.
Alex did not answer immediately but paced back and forth.
After a long while, he finally spoke.
"The report submitted by Moriou and other Adeptus Mechanicus is indeed worth noting."
"The current situation is indeed a bit chaotic; it needs to be corrected, and there must be laws to follow."
Upon hearing this, the Fabricator-General's eyes lit up.
Was the Reality going to restore the old traditions?
If so, that would be beneficial for him as a Fabricator-General.
The higher the status of the Adeptus Mechanicus, the higher his status would be.
After all, Mars's status was there,
As the Fabricator-General, he could be said to be fully enjoying the benefits.
"The economic development and technological innovation in the Calixis Sector prove the importance of the private economy."
Alex said, "Appropriately allowing Forge Worlds to join the competition system is beneficial for increasing their enthusiasm."
"Many Forge Worlds have been stagnant for too long and are unable to adapt to this cruel era."
"Seize this opportunity to promulgate laws, open up the market, encourage more people to start businesses, and promote technological innovation."
Raski: "…"
Those words sounded a bit off!
The Saint's emphasis seemed different from what he had imagined.
"I plan to push for deep reforms within the Adeptus Mechanicus."
Alex looked at Raski, "Will you support it?"
Raski nodded, "Of course, I will support all of the Saint's decisions."
Even a Fabricator-General wasn't an absolute authority on Mars;
many influential Archmagos had a say.
The Saint was the incarnation of the omnissiah and had given Mars so much new technology, making many Archmagos devoted to him.
Raski had refused the Saint that morning.
By noon, numerous Archmagos had jointly nominated him, demanding his dismissal.
By the afternoon, he was nothing.
Don't let the online backlash against the Saint fool you;
his supporters far outnumbered his opponents,
it was just that those opponents were jumping up and down, making a lot of noise.
"Saint, how do you plan to reform?" Raski asked.
Alex stroked his chin and said, "The first thing to do is open the market."
"From now on, all units will have the right to procure the equipment they need."
"Forge Worlds will need to participate in bidding like other enterprises, earning respect through their capabilities."
"Additionally, I plan to promote a 'factory-to-household' policy."
"A Forge World is often composed of a large number of factories, and there are significant differences in efficiency and revenue between different factories; they can no longer share from the same big pot as before."
"From now on, these forging factories will be contracted by different Adeptus Mechanicus, operating independently, bearing their own profits and losses. Those with poor performance will be closed or transferred to others."
"And then there's the issue of living conditions. As the owners of the Human Empire's cutting-edge technology, the residents of Forge Worlds live in such harsh environments, which must be improved."
"..."
Hearing this series of reform measures, Raski's eyes widened, "Saint, this..."
Alex didn't give the Fabricator-General a chance to speak, directly interrupting him.
"Times have changed, Raski. We can no longer cling to old, rigid dogmas."
"You're moving too fast, Saint," Raski said tactfully, "It will lead to fierce resistance."
Alex shook his head, his tone firm.
"Reform is not a dinner party; bloodshed is normal. Some freeloaders will certainly not give up their power."
"If they want to resist the Human Empire for their own interests, then let them come. Humanity already has so many enemies; what difference does one more traitor make?"
"Excising a festering wound will certainly cause bleeding and pain, but only then can the illness be completely cured."
"..."
After discussing the reforms with Raski and instructing him to implement them,
Guilliman sent a communication request. Alex connected and informed him about the plan to push for reforms within the Adeptus Mechanicus.
"Won't this pose some risks? These reforms are bound to touch the raw nerves of many vested interests."
Guilliman also disliked those 'oil-men' on Mars.
As the Human Empire's scientific research institution, what had they researched in ten thousand years?
Nothing.
They were even regressing.
When he first awoke, he wanted to hit himself over the head and go back to sleep.
If it weren't for the Saint and Cawl, he genuinely wouldn't see any hope.
"I've already convinced Raski," Alex said, "And most of the Adeptus Mechanicus support me. It won't be difficult to get Mars to agree to the reforms."
"Moreover, I won't use overly drastic measures. I'll first promote marketization; once they can't make money, they'll naturally soften."
"..."
As reforms deepen and civil rights awareness awakens,
the old ways of the conservatives will certainly become unfeasible.
After all, in the past, workers didn't need to be paid, and they could be oppressed with impunity.
Once the new laws are implemented, these Adeptus Mechanicus will have to find ways to make money, otherwise no one will work for them.
To make money, they must enter the market, and to enter the market, they must follow the rules.
If these guys try to seize resources by force, Alex will show them what the Emperor's iron fist means.
"Your plan is very good." Guilliman, after hearing Alex's plan, also agreed.
Using marketization to force those Forge Worlds to transform is much better than simply issuing crude administrative orders,
it minimizes conflicts to the greatest extent and achieves a win-win situation for multiple parties.
"How is the expedition progressing?"
After discussing the Adeptus Mechanicus's reform measures, Alex asked about other matters.
"It's going smoothly. We've successively captured several key Warp hubs, and we'll reach Fenris in a few days. This communication was to tell you that I hope you can come then."
Guilliman's words surprised Alex.
"What would I do on Fenris?"
"You are the Saint, the messenger of my father," Guilliman said, "Although I am a Primarch, the wolves of Fenris are Russ's descendants, and they won't obediently listen to me."
"I need to find a good way to make them accept Primaris technology..."
Since the introduction of Primaris technology, doubts about it have never ceased.
Many people said it was a test by Guilliman.
Today, he dares to alter the Emperor's creation; tomorrow, he might ascend the throne.
The Space Wolves have always been stubborn, the kind that ten oxen couldn't pull.
Moreover, they are a founding chapter, and they indeed have the confidence to refuse Guilliman.
So, Guilliman wanted to bring Alex along, relying on his identity as the Emperor's messenger to persuade the Sons of Fenris.
"When you arrive at Fenris, I will go there." Alex did not refuse.
He also knew the temperament of the Sons of Fenris.
Guilliman would have to put in a lot of effort to make them accept Primarisization; his presence would make things simpler.
Next, the two discussed details and perfected the plan to persuade the Fenris wolves,
making them willingly accept Primarisization.
After discussing the current state of the Human Empire for a while, they disconnected the communication.
Meanwhile,
Moriou the Sage had originally thought Mars would interfere with the God Chosen.
However, he received a piece of news that was like a bolt from the blue:
Mars and Reality planned to deeply reform the current forging industrial system,
breaking the 'iron rice bowl' that guaranteed income regardless of performance.
They would encourage commercial operations and stimulate market vitality.
The moment Moriou the Sage received the announcement, he logged onto the forum.
The forum, which used to discuss technology, now had no one discussing technology.
It was all posts discussing the latest reform measures.
"What does 'breaking the iron rice bowl' mean??"
"No, I'm already an Adeptus Mechanicus, and I still have the risk of unemployment?"
"A great change unseen in ten thousand years!!"
"..."
Titles scrolled rapidly,
it was clear what kind of fervor this reform announcement had caused.
Besides these, Moriou the Sage also saw 99+ messages in his private message inbox.
Clicking it open, it was all binary insults directed at him.
"By the Gears and Wrench, how could I have believed you, you brainless fellow!!"